EDP reinforces operation to recover electricity grids in Monchique

Portuguese utility company EDP have reinforced their operations with teams from other parts of the Algarve to recover the electricity grids in areas affected by Monchique's wildfire, the company said on Wednesday.

According to the statement sent later in the afternoon, the company said that due to the fire’s unpredictable behaviour, re-ignitions and spreading, “it is still too soon to know when the works are going to be finished”

“Prioritising work to reestablish power is being agreed on amongst different national and local entities, particularly municipalities, parish councils, Social Security, National Republican Guard (GNR) and Civil Protection, so people can return to their homes”, the company clarified.

The company also warned people returning to their homes to not touch any damaged lines. EDP Distribution has a telephone number (800 506 506) in case people affected need to “communicate any anomalies”.

This wildfire started Friday afternoon in Monchique, Faro district, and spread to Portimão and Silves, nearby municipalities.

There are 32 people reported injured, one of whom is an old woman in a serious condition hospitalised in Lisbon, and 181 people remain displaced, after the evacuation of several localities.

According to European Forest Fire Information System, 21,300 hectares have been destroyed. In 2003, a large wildfire burnt about 41,000 hectares in Monchique, Portimão, Aljezur and Lagos.